There are several factors at play here. You have to answer each honestly and step back to look at the other side.
First, what is the status of the flow-thru with AA. Yes, it may be a ways off, but, I would prize something. Eagle has been static for sometime with the flow backs, but math tells me that they will catch up.
The absolute truth is NOBODY from management, ALPA, SAPA, or the crew lounge quarterbacks know what the outcome of the vote will be. The NMB is conducting the vote and only when it is concluded will the results be announced. There will not be any leaks to either side.
What happens after that is the big mystery. If you go on past practice, Skywest Inc will continue to pressure each pilot group into accepting less in order to achieve more. This worked great for them in the past. But, when it did, they also had 8 resumes on file for every pilot. I think everyone will agree that this is no longer the case. In addition, those on the outside looking in will observe the infighting and may look elsewhere. If the airline as a whole is having a difficult time keeping the aircraft staffed, then management will have to change that outside perception. Or, they might change the inside dynamics.
Here are my thoughts. I think Jerry has accomplished his goal of lowering our expectations. The new ASA TA is within a couple of percent of what Skywest has. I don't know where exactly Skywest is in terms of hiring, but ASA has been hurting and over last summer our Crew related cancellations and delays were the highest I've seen in 7 years. Other airlines are suffering too. Look and Pinnicle and Mesa. Bottom line, if your marketable, why sell yourself to a carrier that had last year's quick upgrade.
From a business standpoint, one absolutely has to look at combining the operation of Skywest and ASA. The ability to staff and service the entire operation from reallocating resources form one location to another would be huge in my opinion. I'm simply looking at what the end operation would look like, not the road to get there.
I think the reality is that most (obviously not all) regionals are about the same at the end of the day. Some my have better QOL. Some better pay, while others might have a domicile where you want to live (today, anyway). You may win with a lateral move or you may look back in 5 years with regret. To make an choice, you must really look at everything and be Lucky at the same time. What happens tomorrow may completely change everything.
First, what is the status of the flow-thru with AA. Yes, it may be a ways off, but, I would prize something. Eagle has been static for sometime with the flow backs, but math tells me that they will catch up.
The absolute truth is NOBODY from management, ALPA, SAPA, or the crew lounge quarterbacks know what the outcome of the vote will be. The NMB is conducting the vote and only when it is concluded will the results be announced. There will not be any leaks to either side.
What happens after that is the big mystery. If you go on past practice, Skywest Inc will continue to pressure each pilot group into accepting less in order to achieve more. This worked great for them in the past. But, when it did, they also had 8 resumes on file for every pilot. I think everyone will agree that this is no longer the case. In addition, those on the outside looking in will observe the infighting and may look elsewhere. If the airline as a whole is having a difficult time keeping the aircraft staffed, then management will have to change that outside perception. Or, they might change the inside dynamics.
Here are my thoughts. I think Jerry has accomplished his goal of lowering our expectations. The new ASA TA is within a couple of percent of what Skywest has. I don't know where exactly Skywest is in terms of hiring, but ASA has been hurting and over last summer our Crew related cancellations and delays were the highest I've seen in 7 years. Other airlines are suffering too. Look and Pinnicle and Mesa. Bottom line, if your marketable, why sell yourself to a carrier that had last year's quick upgrade.
From a business standpoint, one absolutely has to look at combining the operation of Skywest and ASA. The ability to staff and service the entire operation from reallocating resources form one location to another would be huge in my opinion. I'm simply looking at what the end operation would look like, not the road to get there.
I think the reality is that most (obviously not all) regionals are about the same at the end of the day. Some my have better QOL. Some better pay, while others might have a domicile where you want to live (today, anyway). You may win with a lateral move or you may look back in 5 years with regret. To make an choice, you must really look at everything and be Lucky at the same time. What happens tomorrow may completely change everything.
